HTC unveils Desire 820 with 5.5-inch display and 64-bit processor

HTC has updated its Desire line of smartphones with the new Desire 820, unveiled at IFA today. The smartphone retains the look of its predecessor, the HTC Desire 816, while sporting a new 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 SoC, 5.5-inch HD (720x1280 pixels) display, 2GB RAM, and 16GB internal storage, expandable up to 128GB via a microSD card.

In addition, the device also packs an 8 megapixel front-facing camera, a 13 megapixel rear camera with f/2.2 lens, and 2600mAh battery, which the company claims provides up to 22.4 hours (3G) of talk time and 424 hours of standby time. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, FM radio, Wi-Fi, GPRS/ EDGE, GPS/ A-GPS, and 3G and 4G LTE connectivity (up to 150mbps).

Out of the box, the Desire 820 runs Android 4.4 KitKat, although it will eventually be updated to the upcoming 64-bit Android L to take full advantage of its 64-bit processor. Elsewhere HTC has thrown in some new imaging features, including a Live Makeup mode that lets you preview the image you just took and set the desired level of skin smoothing before taking the photo, and a feature that lets you merge your facial features with those of another person.

The HTC Desire 820 will be available later this fall, with availability varying by country and region, in Marble White, Tuxedo Grey, Santorini White, and Milky-way Grey.